USA earns friendly win over Turkey

USA earns friendly win over Turkey

<p>The United States men's national team continued its preparations for the 2014 World Cup on Sunday by notching a 2-1 win over Turkey in a friendly at Red Bull Arena.</p>

Harrison, NJ (SportsNetwork.com) - The United States men's national team continued its preparations for the 2014 World Cup on Sunday by notching a 2-1 win over Turkey in a friendly at Red Bull Arena.

Fabian Johnson scored his first international goal midway through the opening half to put the Americans in front, while Clint Dempsey was handed a gift in the 52nd minute that he tapped in from close range.

Turkey was able to pull a goal back from the penalty spot in the 89th minute as Selcuk Inan scored from 12 yards after Geoff Cameron's handball on the goal line.

The U.S. will play its final friendly prior to the World Cup on June 7 against Nigeria before heading to Brazil.

Turkey had a few good chances in the opening half as the U.S. defense struggled at times and looked a bit out of sync.

The best opportunity came in the 12th minute when Nuri Sahin found space 16 yards from goal and fired a low shot off the outside of the post.

But the American attack came together over the rest of the half and Michael Bradley combined with Johnson for a goal of real quality.

Johnson played the ball to Bradley, whose clever chip released Johnson into the area and allowed him to fire home a first-time shot just inside the left post.

Turkey's defense handed the U.S. a gift in the 52nd minute when Timmy Chandler's left-wing cross wasn't properly cleared, giving Dempsey an easy finish from a few yards.

Gokhan Gonul got in behind the American defense on the right in the 60th minute, but his effort was snuffed out at the near post by goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who came into the match at halftime in place of Tim Howard.

However, Turkey managed to find the net in the 89th when Cameron handled the ball on his own goal line, allowing Inan to beat Guzan from the spot.